Senior Computational Chemist

Indiana Ag Connection; Indianapolis, Northern (IN, KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Corteva Agriscience is seeking a Senior Computational Chemist to shape molecule discovery and design at our Indianapolis Global Business Center. You will lead computational chemistry efforts, model and simulate candidate agrochemicals, and drive AI-based workflows across discovery projects.

You will mentor scientists, collaborate with chemists, biologists, and data scientists, and contribute to publications and IP while staying at the forefront of computational methods in agriculture.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant scientific field and 10+ years of industry experience.
• Expertise in molecular modeling, virtual screening, and related methods.
• Experience applying data science to molecule design and optimization.
• Experience with HPC or cloud computing environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Innovate, build and apply novel computational chemistry capabilities that accelerate the design and optimization of novel agrochemical active ingredients for Crop Health R&D.
• Develop and implement advanced molecular modeling, simulation, and AI-based workflows for discovery and pipeline projects.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to shape project strategy and design-build-test-learn cycles.
• Mentor scientists and promote a culture of scientific excellence and collaboration across teams.
• Communicate project progress and findings to stakeholders and leadership.
• Keep pace with advances and contribute to IP, publications, and presentations.

Skills

Computational chemistry

Data science methods

Molecular modeling

Large datasets

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Computational Chemistry, Data Science, Chemical Informatics, Chemistry, or a related field

Tools

Schrödinger Suite

MOE

AMBER

Gaussian

Python

Job description

Who are we, and what do we do?

At Corteva Agriscience, you will help us grow what’s next. No matter your role, you will be part of a team that is building the future of agriculture – leading breakthroughs in the innovation and application of science and technology that will better the lives of people all over the world and fuel the progress of humankind.

The computational chemistry team in Corteva Agriscience plays a critical role in the discovery and optimization of new active ingredients through advanced modeling, simulation, and data analysis.

We are seeking a Senior Computational Chemist to help define and lead the future of molecule discovery and design at our Indianapolis Global Business Center. This is a unique opportunity to shape how computational chemistry drives innovation to enable resilient and sustainable agriculture.

What You’ll Do:

• Innovate, build and apply novel computational chemistry capabilities that accelerate the design and optimization of novel agrochemical active ingredients for Crop Health R&D.
• Develop and implement advanced molecular modeling, simulation, and AI-based workflows for discovery and pipeline projects.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to shape project strategy and the design-build-test-learn cycle to integrate and improve computational predictions.
• Mentor and coach scientists, fostering a culture of scientific excellence, innovation and collaboration across teams including chemists, biologists, and data scientists.
• Communicate project progress and key findings to stakeholders, including project leaders and R&D leadership.
• Keep pace with technological advances and contribute to intellectual property generation, scientific publications, and presentations at internal and external meetings.

What Skills You Need:

• Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry, Data Science, Chemical Informatics, Chemistry, or a related scientific field.
• 10+ years of experience applying computational chemistry in the pharmaceutical or agricultural industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in multiple computational approaches such as molecular modeling, virtual screening, homology modeling, pharmacophore elucidation, free energy perturbation, homology modeling, and/or structure-based drug design.
• Solid knowledge base and experience in the incorporation of data science methods (e.g., machine learning and generative AI) in molecule design and optimization.
• Proven experience working with large datasets, scientific computing and large-scale computing environments (e.g., HPC clusters, cloud computing).
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), interpersonal, and technical writing skills.

What makes you stand out:

• Strong background in cheminformatics, statistics, machine learning, and/or other data-driven modeling approaches.
• Experience combining chemistry-based mechanistic modeling with data-driven modeling in hybrid models for molecule design/optimization.
• Familiarity with modern software tools and programming languages used in computational chemistry (e.g., Schrödinger Suite, MOE, AMBER, Gaussian, Python).
• Track record of impactful publications or patents in computational chemistry or molecule design/optimization.
• Experience mentoring or leading technical teams.

Benefits – How We’ll Support You:

• Numerous development opportunities offered to build your skills
• Be part of a company with a higher purpose and contribute to making the world a better place
• Health benefits for you and your family on your first day of employment
• Four weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well-being pay per year, plus paid holidays
• Excellent parental leave which includes a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and father
• Future planning with our competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement program

Learn more about our total rewards package here - Corteva Benefits

Check out life at Corteva! www.linkedin.com/company/corteva/life

Are you a good match?

Corteva Agriscience is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embracing our differences to enrich lives, advance innovation, and boost company performance. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, military or veteran status, pregnancy related conditions (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), disability or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, or local laws.